Policy Positions

Annually, the Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Council outlines our Community’s legislative priorities. This information is used to help tell our story to lawmakers and to the greater Minnesota community.

More than 20 years after the Supreme Court reaffirmed tribal sovereignty in 1987 and Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, tribal government gaming has helped to rebuild the Prairie Island Indian Community, preserve and promote our culture, and create the foundation for a promising future for our tribe. Our gaming revenues have allowed us to meet our responsibilities to our tribal membership in providing both basic infrastructure needs and essential services and opportunities to individuals, such as employment, housing, health care and education.

We are also proud contributors to Minnesota’s economy. The Prairie Island Indian Community employs more than 1,700 people in its gaming, government and business operations, including Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Mount Frontenac Golf Course and Dakota Station. As the largest employer in Goodhue County, the Prairie Island Indian Community generates $13 million in annual state and federal taxes and spends more than $50 million annually with Minnesota businesses.

As a result of economic growth, we have also reinvigorated the Dakota custom of sharing. Since 1994, the Prairie Island Indian Community (including Treasure Island Resort & Casino) has donated more than $16 million to support non-profits, community organizations and other sovereign Indian nations that are less fortunate. Our giving helps build homes for those in need; provides food, clothing and other essential needs to families and individuals challenged by trying economic times; and supports those who are fighting life-threatening illnesses. In addition, we are proud to support athletic and educational opportunities that challenge and empower our youth and help develop the leaders of tomorrow.